Tuning Overview

This distinctive tuning, famously utilized by the band Swervedriver for their song "Duel" from the album Mezcal Head, is a sophisticated adaptation of an F 6/9 chord, notably without a major or minor third. It offers a rich, expansive sound ideal for atmospheric rock and shoegaze genres.

Verbal Analysis

The sonic character of this tuning is immediately striking. By omitting the third (A or A♭), the open strings create a highly ambiguous yet powerful harmonic foundation. This allows for both major and minor leanings depending on the melodic context or chord voicings played over it, making it incredibly versatile for creating layered, droning textures and soaring soundscapes. The repeated C and D notes across different octaves contribute to a thick, resonant quality, perfect for open-string strumming that rings out with immense sustain. It's a tuning that invites exploration beyond standard chord shapes, encouraging the guitarist to find unique intervals and arpeggios that highlight its inherent expansiveness.

Technical Analysis

The open notes are F2-C3-D3-G3-C4-D4 (from low 6th string to high 1st string). Analysing these notes in relation to an F root:

• F (Root): The lowest string anchors the tuning firmly in F.
• C (Perfect 5th): Provides harmonic stability and power.
• D (Major 6th / 9th): Adds an open, extended feel, characteristic of the '6' or '9' chord extension.
• G (Major 2nd / 9th): Introduces further harmonic complexity, forming the '9' component of the F6/9.
• C (Octave Perfect 5th): Reinforces the C note, adding thickness and resonance.
• D (Octave Major 6th / 9th): Reinforces the D note, adding brightness and sustain across registers.

The combination results in an Fsus2/sus4/6/9 chord structure, accurately described as an F 6/9 with no third. This provides a rich, complex open voicing that avoids the conventional major/minor tonality, giving it a characteristic ethereal quality often found in ambient and alternative music.

Open Chords and Possibilities

• Open Strum: The tuning itself forms an F6/9 (no 3rd), which can be strummed openly for a massive, sustained, and somewhat ambiguous chord. This is perfect for foundational riffs or ambient textures.
• Barre Chords: By simply barring across all strings at any fret, you can achieve parallel voicings of this F6/9 (no 3rd) structure. For instance, a barre at the first fret yields an F#6/9 (no 3rd), at the second fret a G6/9 (no 3rd), and so on. This makes transposing easy and effective for power chords with added flavour.
• Inner Voicings: The arrangement of C-D-G-C-D on strings 5-4-3-2-1 provides a wealth of suspended and extended chord possibilities. For example, focusing on strings 5-4-3-2 (C-D-G-C) offers a Cmaj9sus4-like sound, while strings 4-3-2-1 (D-G-C-D) creates a Dsus2/4 voicing. These open clusters are excellent for arpeggios and melodic leads that complement the drone.
• Bass Lines: The low F (6th String) and C (5th String) provide a solid bass foundation, allowing for powerful root-fifth movement and rhythmic drive.

This tuning is particularly effective for styles that benefit from lush harmonics, dense sonic layers, and a sense of vastness.

Open String Notes

Here are the target notes for each string in this Swervedriver Duel tuning, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string:

• 6th String: F2
• 5th String: C3
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: C4
• 1st String: D4

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve the Swervedriver Duel tuning, adjust your strings from standard EADGBe as follows. Always tune carefully, especially when increasing string tension.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune from E2. Tune up 1 semitones to F2.
• 5th String (A): Tune from A2. Tune up 3 semitones to C3. Note: Tuning up 3 semitones increases tension significantly; consider if your guitar's setup and string gauge are appropriate.
• 4th String (D): Tune from D3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune from G3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune from B3. Tune up 1 semitones to C4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune from E4. Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

The most significant adjustment is the 5th string (A to C), which is a 3-semitone increase. While this is within a generally acceptable range for standard gauges, always be cautious when raising string pitch, and monitor your guitar's neck relief. No string requires a change in string gauge based on the "exceeding negative 4 or positive 4" guideline for this particular tuning.